Ford, Chrysler and GM were truly firing on all cylinder in the late 60's and 70's cranking out some of the most desirable and fierce muscle cars on the planet. But there was another car company outside of Detroit that made some pretty wild cars as well. That's right, I'm talking about AMC of Kenosha, Wisconsin!
And in the pantheon of AMC cars, the 1975 AMC Matador might not have been a household name, even compared to the Javelin, Rambler and AMX, but it had some innovative design and performance features making it truly unique. And with the right amount of mods and attention to detail, the Matador can truly be elevated to something more than the sum of its parts. This particular bull-fighter is no original garage queen but a Lambo-inspired Rat powered monster that is like nothing I've ever seen on the road before. Is it for you? Let's take a look.
Raging Bull
According to the seller, "[t]he Dark Espresso Pearl paint is set off by the copper powder coated three-piece Rotiform wheels, staggered in size from front to rear. The cherry on top that really brings this Matador together is the bold stripe down the side, with the painted bull on the rear quarters. The LEDs in the headlight halos shift colors and are remote controlled, along with LEDs throughout the interior, trunk, and in the opera glass windows engraved with the AMC logo. A seamlessly integrated spoiler sits atop the trunk, and looks right at home while balancing the look of the car. Putting bumpers on Matadors was the most heinous disservice done to them, so the bumpers have been shaved on this car allowing its purest form to show."
Rat Power
Rather than a stock 390 or top of the line 401 AMX engine, the builder opted for Chevy power. And while that might smack of heresy to the AMC faithful it looks to be done right. The GM 502 is mated up to a four speed automatic Phoenix 700R4 transmission for taking stoplights and cruising comfortably. The engine bay has been thoroughly detailed with custom paint and all the components match the exterior theme. The dual snorkel cold air intake, in particular with its copper accents, is striking and functional. Indeed, even the oil and transmission pans are finished in copper. The car also sports Strange coilovers in the rear and 13'' Wilwood disc brakes. Power is estimated at a stout and reliable 500hp/500ft.-lbs. of torque.
Six Figure Build
The inside is also done up with custom leather upholstery, modern tech, lights, and gauges. Everything has been integrated and fitted nicely and there are literally speakers stuffed everywhere. The end result is truly unique. It's on consignment to Shelton Classics out of Mooresville, N.C. for $109,995 and there is certainly more than that invested in labor and parts alone. However, this thing is most decidedly not for everyone. What do you think? Buckle up.
Source: Hemmings